Part of the book series:New Frontiers in Regional Science: Asian Perspectives ((NFRSASIPER,volume 47))
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Abstract
A debate related to the “net” value of agglomeration economies created in the long run is proposed. Some volatile assets such as strategic planning, knowledge creation, shared innovation, and advanced skills are identified. The perspective of urban dynamics adds a glimpse over the potential capacity of medium- and small-sized towns (SMTs) to be capable participants in the development process throughout extensive periods.
The concept of agglomeration economies, pointing out to efficiency gains due to the proximity among agents, is an “unrefuted truth” to be revisited: Immediate efficiency gains are frequently suggested by policymakers whose good intentions for regional development have aggravated discrepancies with shrinking effects for SMTs. Costly consequences must be mentioned: pollution, loss of biodiversity, climate change, pockets of social stress, and extreme poverty are long-term impacts. Not often are impacts directly measurable, for example: The recent pandemic of COVID-19 has shown the fragility of large urban cores to immediately address complexity.
This chapter is composed of (1) introduction, an insightful approach, (2) case studies, illustrating the empirical capacity of SMTs to survive long-term challenges, (3) discussion, highlighting some theoretical insights from the case studies analyses, and, finally, (4) conclusion.
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Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful for participating in this book honoring Peter Nijkamp. For the last 20 years, Peter has been their friend and partner on countless occasions and works. His joyful character and giving personality are contagious. As all those who worked with him, they got that passion for promoting Regional Science further with so much enthusiasm and scientific excitement. A wholehearted thank you, dear Peter!
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Authors and Affiliations
Faculty of Economics, University of the Algarve, Faro, Portugal
Teresa de Noronha
Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
Eric Vaz
Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
Waldemar Ratajczak
- Teresa de Noronha
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- Eric Vaz
Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar
- Waldemar Ratajczak
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Correspondence toTeresa de Noronha.
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Editors and Affiliations
Hokkai-Gakuen University, Sapporo, Japan
Soushi Suzuki
University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Roberto Patuelli
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de Noronha, T., Vaz, E., Ratajczak, W. (2021). Dynamic Sustainability: Back to History to Advocate for Small- and Medium-Sized Towns. In: Suzuki, S., Patuelli, R. (eds) A Broad View of Regional Science. New Frontiers in Regional Science: Asian Perspectives, vol 47. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-4098-5_4
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